Portable phone with ergonomic image projection system

Abstract

A portable phone includes a handset and a data projection system configured to form a visual image of data, such as caller waiting ID data, on a viewing surface viewable by a user during a two way conversation. The handset also includes a speaker, a microphone, conventional phone circuitry and a keyboard. The data projection system is configured to receive signals from the phone circuitry, to generate a pattern representative of the data, to process the pattern into a mirror image of the visual image, and to project the mirror image from a bottom end surface of the handset. The projection system includes an electro optic system for generating the pattern, and an optics system for projecting the mirror image onto the viewing surface.A method for projecting data in a portable phone includes the steps of: providing the handset with the data projection system, conducting a two way conversation with the handset held against the head of the user, and forming the visual image on the viewing surface during the two way conversation with the handset held against the head. The method can also include the steps of manipulating the handset and a body part to locate and focus the visual image, sensing an orientation of the handset during the two way conversation, and orienting the visual image as a function of the sensing step.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention relates generally to portable communications devices, and more particularly to portable phones, such as cordless phones and cellular phones.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Portable phones are widely used for communicating and transmitting information between users. Portable phones include cordless phones which receive signals from a base station controlled by a user over a relatively short range, typically on a frequency of 900 MHz, 2.4 Ghz or 5.8 GHz. Portable phones also include cellular phones for a greater range, which typically receive signals from a telecommunications network using various platforms, such as ANALOG, CDMA, TDMA and GSM. Portable phones also include satellite phones, where the portable phone is in direct transmission to and from a communications satellite orbiting the earth, such as the “GLOBAL STAR” system and the “IRIDIUM” system.[0003]Some portable phones employ a handset configured for holding in one hand and place...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a portable phone with a direct view visual display and an image projection system. The image projection system can form a second visual image on a viewing surface, such as the user's body part, during a phone conversation with the phone held against the head. The system includes an electro optic system and an optics system to process the pattern and project the mirror image onto the viewing surface. The second visual image can be oriented based on the orientation of the phone or the user's hand. The image projection system can also include a sensing device to sense the orientation of the phone and project the second visual image accordingly. The technical effects of the invention include improved data display and privacy during phone conversations, as well as improved user experience and convenience during phone calls."

Problems solved by technology

One limitation of a conventional handset is that the direct view display cannot be seen by the user with the handset held against the head.

Although this problem can be avoided by speaker phones, this approach has limitations, in that confidentiality and sound fidelity are reduced, and the transmission of environmental noises is increased.

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